บท 37: Chapter 37 : Real Clan Head
The water dragon gracefully circled in the air, creating ripples in the vortex before gradually dissipating.
The movements of the Mist Shinobi were meant to be a show of force, an attempt to dissuade the Uzumaki clan from attacking their own people.
As the water dragon appeared, the Uzumaki clan members drew their weapons and closed in on the intruders.
Kazuhiko, alongside Kiyoshi, approached, met with disdainful glares from the Mizukage's group.
At this moment, the Third Mizukage's eyes were no longer closed. His icy blue eyes radiated a frosty aura born from anger, causing everyone who met his gaze to shudder.
Kiyoshi, too, fixed a solemn gaze upon the Third Mizukage and his party, their swords at the ready.
"Ice Release!"
The information he knew about the Third Mizukage crossed Kazuhiko's mind.
The Third Mizukage had always been shrouded in mystery, and information about him was scarce. All that was known was that he had been taught by the Second Mizukage, a former leader of the Mist Village.
But one thing was clear; his power was not to be underestimated.
The atmosphere in the area became extremely tense, with everyone bracing for an impending clash.
However, Kazuhiko wasn't keen on pursuing this path. Even though they had the numbers and power advantage at the moment, the Third Mizukage had a group of skilled Jōnin behind him.
If a battle erupted, the Uzumaki clan might prevail, but casualties among their own ranks were inevitable. Most of those present were Chūnin, Genin, and a few Jōnin. A battle could result in significant losses, and the Uzumaki clan's numbers were already scarce.
Kazuhiko didn't want to lose his people; they had pledged their loyalty to him, and he valued their lives.
Moreover, it seemed that the Third Mizukage didn't intend to start a war either, given that they had seen the captured Mist Shinobi.
Just a glance revealed hundreds of them, and if a war were to break out, the Uzumaki Clan would have a significant bargaining chip.
The dilemma for the Mizukage was evident: if he didn't secure the release of his people, he would face severe criticism upon his return to the Mist Village.
On the other hand, the Uzumaki clan couldn't afford large casualties at this stage.
"Release the villagers from our village, and we'll leave immediately," the Mist Shinobi who had yet to express himself finally spoke, a note of frustration in his voice.
Kazuhiko concealed his satisfaction at the development. While he himself may not have experience in negotiations, he had observed plenty.
His confidence stemmed from the fact that he had never been in a weaker position than his opponents.
However, he wasn't prepared to agree just yet. Kiyoshi was about to speak in agreement, but Kazuhiko interrupted, "I disagree."
Kiyoshi, halted mid-sentence, gazed at Kazuhiko in surprise, as did the others. They trusted Kazuhiko to safeguard their interests.
The Third Mizukage turned his attention to Kazuhiko. From the moment he appeared, the Mizukage sensed something unique about him.
Even without speaking, the Uzumaki clan members kept glancing at him, sometimes more than they looked at their own patriarch. It was evident that this young man held a high position within the Uzumaki Clan.
Kazuhiko, oblivious to their thoughts, would have scoffed at the notion that anyone could outshine him in this story. Nevertheless, he recognized that the Third Mizukage's decision hinged on him.
As he observed Kazuhiko, the Mizukage noted his handsome and striking appearance. A white trench coat billowed around him, concealing a short sword at his waist. His fiery red hair and long locks made him stand out, akin to a burning flame. His deep-sea blue eyes, coupled with a cryptic smile, left a lasting impression.
Even as enemies, the Third Mizukage and his party couldn't help but admire him. "What a remarkably handsome young man!"
If Kazuhiko were privy to their thoughts, he would have snickered, thinking, "No character in this story is more handsome than me!"
Getting back on track, the Third Mizukage continued to scrutinize Kazuhiko, sensing that the outcome of this negotiation hinged on him.
It became apparent that, despite Kiyoshi's intention to agree with the Mist Shinobi's request, Kazuhiko's stance held sway.
The other Uzumaki clan members appeared to accept this as the natural order, as if he were their true leader.
The Mist Shinobi, too, found themselves astounded by this revelation.
The Third Mizukage observed that the Uzumaki clan members regarded Kazuhiko as their true clan head.
Kiyoshi himself seemed to lack authority compared to him, and the Mizukage couldn't help but think, "Is this clan head even in charge, or is it this young man?"
As soon as he spoke, the Uzumaki clan members fell in line, solidifying the notion that Kazuhiko was their true leader.
"Oh, who might this be?" inquired the Third Mizukage, puzzled by this revelation.
"This is our future clan leader, Kazuhiko. His words represent the will of the Uzumaki Village," declared Kiyoshi, his pride in Kazuhiko evident.
The Mist Shinobi's pupils dilated in disbelief, while the Third Mizukage and his group grasped the situation: "This boy is the true leader of the Uzumaki clan."
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